Pakistan has formally inducted its second MILGEM-class warship, PNS Khaibar, into the Pakistan Navy, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard on Sunday and was attended by Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighting the strategic importance of the event.

The PNS Khaibar is part of a broader MILGEM-class warship program, designed to enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities with technologically advanced platforms. According to an official release by the Pakistan military, the vessel is equipped with the latest Command and Control Systems, integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors, making it one of the most capable surface platforms in the region.

Background of the Pakistan-Turkiye MILGEM Deal

Pakistan signed an agreement with Turkiye in 2018 for the construction of four MILGEM-class ships under a transfer of technology agreement. The terms of the deal specified that two ships would be built in Turkiye, while the remaining two would be constructed in Pakistan, allowing for local technical skill development and long-term naval self-sufficiency.

The first warship, PNS Babur, was delivered to Pakistan on May 24, 2024, successfully completing all tests and trials. The commissioning of PNS Khaibar marks the delivery of the second ship, demonstrating the progress and commitment under the bilateral defence agreement. According to President Erdogan, both ships were built to meet the operational needs of the Pakistan Navy, with rigorous trials ensuring readiness for deployment.

Features and Capabilities

The PNS Khaibar is equipped with advanced combat management systems, integrated with modern weaponry, sensors, and surveillance capabilities. These features allow the vessel to perform multiple roles, including maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, and air defence operations, strengthening Pakistan’s naval readiness in the Indian Ocean region.

The warship represents a strategic upgrade to Pakistan’s naval fleet, combining advanced technology with operational versatility. The successful commissioning of the ship highlights Pakistan’s focus on modernizing its maritime security infrastructure while fostering close ties with Turkiye.

Pakistan-Turkiye Strategic Partnership

The MILGEM-class warship program underscores the broader strategic and military cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. Beyond warships, Pakistan has also placed orders for 30 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkiye, reflecting the deepening defence collaboration.

President Erdogan has consistently supported Pakistan on regional issues, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, backing Islamabad’s stance amid ongoing territorial tensions. Ankara has also extended support following incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack in April and India’s Operation Sindoor, demonstrating close military and diplomatic alignment.

The commissioning of PNS Khaibar symbolizes not just the strengthening of Pakistan’s naval fleet but also the enhancement of defence ties between Islamabad and Ankara, spanning military technology, training, and strategic coordination.

Conclusion

The induction of the second MILGEM-class warship into the Pakistan Navy marks a key milestone in both naval modernization and Pakistan-Turkiye defence relations. With advanced capabilities, PNS Khaibar enhances Pakistan’s maritime operational strength while demonstrating the successful implementation of the 2018 technology transfer agreement.

The partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye continues to grow, encompassing not only naval platforms but also helicopters, training, and strategic support, reinforcing regional security cooperation and operational readiness for both countries. The commissioning event in Istanbul reflects the strong defence collaboration and shared vision of both nations in enhancing maritime security and technological self-reliance.

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